Emily Dickinson's Music Book and the Musical Life of an American Poet

In her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts, Emily Dickinson curated a music book that includes her favorite instrumental piano music and vocal music, ranging from theme and variation sets to vernacular music. This original study explores the various composers, music sellers, and publishers behind this music and Dickinson's attendance at performances, presenting new insights into the multiple layers of meaning that music held for her.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

In the depths of her familial abode in Amherst, Massachusetts, Emily Dickinson embarked on a lifelong journey of musical exploration. As a young woman, she nurtured her talent by delving into the realm of piano, a common practice during that era. Today, this cherished collection of 107 published sheet music, now part of the Dickinson Collection in the Houghton Library of Harvard University, holds a special place in the annals of literary history. Within these bound pages, one can find a harmonious blend of Emily Dickinson's beloved instrumental piano compositions and vocal pieces, spanning from intricate theme and variation sets to the vernacular music cherished by her family and even the servants who graced their abode. This groundbreaking study offers a fresh perspective on the iconic poetic voice that has firmly established itself in American literature. By meticulously documenting Emily Dickinson's early years of musical study, from her initial ventures to the culmination of her music being bound in the early 1850s, coinciding with the birth of her poetic prowess, George Boziwick sheds light on the intricate tapestry of composers, music sellers, and publishers that shaped her musical journey. Furthermore, he delves into the captivating world of Dickinson's attendance at performances, unveiling new insights into the profound layers of meaning that music held for her. Through a meticulous examination of Dickinson's letters, poems, newspapers, and other archival sources, Boziwick weaves a narrative that unveils the profound connection between music and the artistic expression of this remarkable poet. This captivating exploration invites readers to delve into the rich tapestry of Emily Dickinson's musical world, shedding light on the intricate interplay between her creative spirit and the melodies that echoed through her life.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625346599